Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Île Flottante

    4.5 (142 reviews)
    PriceyFrench
    Closed 6:00 pm - 11:00 PM

    Île Flottante Photos

    ÎLE FLOTTANTE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Intimate
    Romantic
    Classy
    Moderate noise

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Île Flottante

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    a plate of food with cavia
    Dianna H.

    My friend and I came recently to Ile Flottante for a celebratory meal. I picked this spot because it's rare to find a restaurant that offers a pre-fixe tasting menu that can accommodate different dietary restrictions, as my friend is vegetarian, while I can eat anything. I made reservations 2.5 weeks beforehand for a Wednesday dinner at 6:30. I was hoping that because I made my reservations early, we would have a better table, but we were seated at one of the few two person tables while I noticed a lot of other couples were seated at a much spacier 4 person table. Upon arrival, our server let us know that they are currently offering a 7 course pre-fixe menu for $90 pp, with an optional wine pairing available for $60 pp. We decided to do both and informed our server about my friend being vegetarian. Before going into the details of the meal, I want to write some thoughts on the overall experience. We enjoyed the food for the most part, except for 1-2 courses, and thought everything was very creative. However, I was hoping for more meat. For $90 pp, I would've wanted at least 2-3 courses where meat was the main, and we only got one with tuna. I kept waiting for a big meat dish with beef, duck, etc., and was disappointed when it never came. Service was phenomenal, as you'd expect from a restaurant like this. Our server was French and didn't know how to say everything in English sometimes when describing a course, and he would always check with the kitchen and let us know later. Our wine glasses were kept refilled if one course was taking longer to arrive and we finished the wine before the course was served. You don't feel rushed at all; we were here for about 3.5 hours total from start to finish as we were eating and drinking at a leisurely pace and didn't leave until close to 10. I did see some other tables around us going at a faster pace since they weren't doing the wine pairing. Because it's wintertime, our server mentioned the menu is very vegetable focused (not sure if that makes sense though??). Here's what we had: 1st course - pho with mushroom broth and beef tenderloin and king oyster mushrooms. I thought the broth flavor was just okay, but I really enjoyed the slices of mostly raw beef, as they were very tender 2nd course - bread with butter and some honey underneath. We both enjoyed the bread with the contrast between the savory butter and cheese inside and the honey on the outside. 3rd course - dual cauliflower dish. One dish had a buttermilk milk and sour cream-based sauce with cauliflower and caviar, while the the other was a blini with caviar, smoked fish, and cauliflower on top. We enjoyed both dishes. 4th course - cauliflower ice cream with caviar, served on top of ice to keep it cold. We both thought this was a weird dish and was our least favorite of the night. The cauliflower flavor was very strong, but it felt quite odd to eat it in ice cream form... 5th course - tuna tataki with brown rice wrapped in cabbage, served with turnips and a ginger sauce. This was my favorite course of the whole meal, as the tuna was fantastic with the sesame crust and went well with the rice and turnips. 6th course - salad with cabbage, beets, and endive. The beets went really well with the cabbage and the salted ricotta along the bottom. 7th course - dessert was raspberry ice cream with chocolate and fig bites as well as pepper jelly. I was initially very hesitant about the dessert as multiple items had pepper, but luckily I didn't taste much of it except as an aftertaste (though that was weird). Overall, we enjoyed the meal except for the cauliflower ice cream course.

    2-halibut 3 ways, pan seared, in red pepper, halibut mouse, broccoli cup under flower
    Jas S.

    TL;DR - if you can score the reservation go! Food creativity is what sets Île Flottante apart. Service is really good, but things slowed down after the savory courses. Ambiance and location might not be bougee enough, but it's not $200pp either. Did not do the wine pairing at $70, but thought the wines by the glass at $15 each fit the bill without breaking the bank. They are doing their 'Spring Menu', my fav was the sunchoke which is their take on poutine, mushrooms, and truffle. The miss (for me) was the platte cleansing course of toasted coconut ice cream with asparagus and strawberries. While I could nitpick about textures, acid, and salt, overall we're in Michelin star territory here. Best value for composed multi-course / pre-fixe in Montreal!

    Angela A.

    Visited Ile flotante for my birthday and I was very disappointed. I was excited to try their 6 course menu as I have seen great reviews about it. The first course seafood soup with their homemade bread was DELICIOUS, I was in love on how good it was and set the bar really high for the other courses. Sadly it went downhill after that, the mushroom dumplings had almost no flavour at all, the rice/mayo/chicken/egg dish was too creamy and no special flavour at all I got tired of eating after 2 spoons, the duck was very heavy mostly after having a very heavy dish before and last the beef was another heavy plate and nothing in-between to cleanse the palate. The dessert was average, yes very well presented but a very simple vanilla cake that could almost taste like the costco one. The place itself is beautiful, however it took 50min wait to get our dessert, I don't think they have the staff to have so many tables. We weren't the only table waiting for that long for a dessert. The table beside us arrived an hour and a half after us and they finished their 5 course and were waiting at the same time for dessert than us. It took us 3 hours and half for the whole thing. We did not even had that many drinks that kept us there at one point we had nothing else to talk about ut was awkward, we were literally waiting on our phones. Kudos for the staff that kept their smiles and trying to make it all up but honestly not worth it at all.

    Mary H.

    Went there for my bday dinner with a friend of mine. Reservation was at 10pm so quite late and I had smacked before going to was a bit full by dessert time. Nevertheless, food was amazing! I had been previously when it was called Trois Singes de Montavie and it was equally delicious (except cheaper). The dishes are small but still quite filling by the end of dinner. I must say that the homemade oatmeal bread was my favourite...a hint sweet, soft and warm. Still drooling thinking about it. The restaurant uses seasonal ingredients which is nice and fresh. There was a fish made with cucumber that I also enjoyed very much considering the fact that I am not a fan of cucumbers. Must say that the service was also great. My napping was folded for me every time I came back from the bathroom. They probably don't do it as often during the earlier services since there must be a lot more people but thought it was attentive from the staff. Wine pairing was also very affordable compared to other restaurants with tasting menu offerings. Wine pairing was $60 vs $80+ at other restaurants so definitely a must! Thé plates are beautifully decorated. They looked as good as they tasted! I would definitely go back!

    The sweetest little salad with lobster buried underneath it
    Kate B.

    Saw this restaurant on an Eater list and decided to give it a try. SO glad we did, because it was honestly the best meal I've ever eaten. The chefs tasting menu had seven amazing courses, each one filled with flavor and seasonal ingredients. As with most tasting menus, I would recommend that you're not a picky eater if you opt to eat here. That being said, they can accommodate certain dietary restrictions here for you. I understand the menu changes with the seasons, and it makes me wish I lived closer so I could try it each time. We had flounder ceviche served in hollowed out kohlrabi, an amazing veggie/seafood take on Italian wedding soup, a little salad with fresh lobster meat in it, an incredible mushroom dish, a giant artichoke ravioli, a "pre-dessert" palate cleanser with lemon, yogurt, cuke & Thai basil (I know it sounds like a weird mixture, but it was so so tasty), and the chef's take on blueberry pancakes with ice cream. All of it very veggie forward, but not lacking one bit of flavor - each dish was bursting with color and exquisite taste. They also had three flavored cocktail specials, two of which we tried: strawberry/celery (which was perfectly smoked and flavors were balanced so well), cucumber, and jalapeño. Service was outstanding - they pace it just right and each server is knowledgeable (in both English and French) on the dish being placed in front of you. A quiet restaurant in a cute Montreal neighborhood, I would wholeheartedly recommend this place to anyone who enjoys a food experience.

    4. salad of lobster bos lettuce and tomato and avocado
    Andrew L.

    Do wish I could've recorded the wait staff's detailed description of each dish--since the words themselves are inviting and delicious. We decided to get a bottle instead of the wine pairing just to make things simple. Each dish was marvelous. You won't come out disgustingly full and I read people's complaint about the lack of protein. This is not a hamburger or steak joint, go elsewhere for that and give the planet a break. The restaurant very simply allow one to see how we can eat differently w/o so much MEAT and still be able to experience a transcendent meal. The neighborhood is still a lively real community of residents and small businesses. Definitely worth a try. There were complaints about the wine list. While it's highlighting particular places that are outside of the traditionally well known wine regions, this hopefully allow the restaurant to retain a lower accessible wine price range. The bottle we got was not marked up in the usual 3x the price but only 2x. I appreciate that effort. Service was impeccable and food terrific. 7 course tasting menu around $100 per person

    First course vegetable broth over a variety of spring veggies and herbs. Warming and savory.
    Suzanne T.

    Spectacular food!! Beyond!! Tasting menu on par with The French Laundry and Lazy Bear. The setting is unassuming but don't let that fool you - the dishes are next level! Each member of the staff was knowledgeable and very present. We added the wine pairing and the sommelier would describe each wine in detail - top notch. The restaurant offers both vegetarian and vegan options - which is so welcome and appreciated. I had vegan and my dinner partner had the regular menu. Each and every single course was delicious, inventive, surprising and unique. Thank you Chef Sean and your wonderful team. Simply a must visit when in Montreal. Do not miss.

    Specialty aperitifs to start
    Shari A.

    Superb. This neighborhood place is a total gem.... the most sophisticated food served in a rustic sort of minimalist chic atmosphere with service that is simply perfect. We ventured here based on our research of the foodie sites for Montreal and they were spot on. The beauty of the tasting options is that each person can select a different number of courses so for example, I had a 3 course menu that dovetailed nicely with my husband's 5 courses and I was able to taste his dishes. They also permitted us to do one wine pairing and they split each pour between two glasses which is just so nice for people like us who really enjoy pairings but cannot consume so much wine in one sitting. They prepare daily cocktail specials which are recited by the servers and our choices were sublime. Herbaceous, gorgeous, and they went down so easy! You can really tell that the entire staff is a family affair with each person helping the other out and the dishes are described and delivered on point by a different person for each course. Somehow it doesn't feel disjointed but rather completely in sync. The female owner is the front of the house and the male owner is in the kitchen. He also does all of his own desserts. The menu highlights vegetables like I've never seen done. This makes it perfect for any type of eater. We had one fish dish which was lovely, but the vegetable are the real stars here. The presentation is also art on a plate. The tasting comes with dessert and even after all of that, they are able to convince you to order the signature ile flottante which is changed up often with the chefs own twist. Outstanding. I can't wait to come back the next time we are in town. It's a bummer we are 5 hours away or I would be a regular here! Don't miss this superstar.

    Laura R.

    A true gastronomic experience! My husband and I each partook in the 7 course tasting menu, and we were wowed by the nuanced flavours and inventive dishes. Each dish is a surprise, as nothing is posted on the menu. It adds to the charm and mystique. The restaurant is located almost adjacent to the famous St Viateur bagel shop, and it's in a historic stretch of the city. It's an apt spot for them, as they are a stronghold in the food making business, along with their famous neighbors. All dishes are immaculately presented and visually stunning, and the staff do a great job of explaining each dish. Come here to be pampered by a tantalizing array of savory dishes. We had an amuse bouche, eggplant terrine, endive salad, lentil dish, walleye fish, maple syrup dessert (quite outstanding!), French toast and the Île Flottante dessert.

    Mushroom chocolate cake with vanilla and mushroom ice cream
    Roberta D.

    AMAZING! My boyfriend and I went to Ile Flottante for our Thanksgiving dinner this year. I made the reservation ahead of time over open table and had to confirm a few days before arriving to the area. When we arrived to the restaurant they had cute name placards set up for all of the premade reservations. We were greeted by the friendly wait staff and seated. The space was wonderful - all black walls from ceiling to the floor, with black tables. This helped to ensure that guests attention was paid to the most important part of the experience - the food. We opeted for the 5 course tasting menu with the wine pairing. It was absolutely spectacular. The wines paired nicely with the menu. The menu was mostly vegetarian. There was a few meat items - smoked trout in the first meal and duck in the 4th dish. Overall, the dishes were super flavorful. The wait staff was friendly and nice. Absolutely would recommend to anyone looking to have a high end meal in the Montreal area!

    Vincent T.

    If your reservation at 6pm, DO NOT arrive earlier in winter as they will not let you in to accommodate a freezing -30celsius (we arrived at 5:53pm). We took the 5 courses dinner. Only one meat course. All of which are on the light side so you might be left (very) hungry at the end of the night.

    See all

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Will S.
    1070
    836
    8810

    4 years ago

    Helpful 23
    Thanks 0
    Love this 27
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kate B.
    71
    10
    12

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of H M.
    0
    144
    5

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Gen G.
    1
    23
    1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    The most amazing tasting menu with stunning wine pairing and such a personal waitstaff!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Victor M.
    14
    17
    44

    9 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Très bon. On y découvre des nouvelles saveurs. Sommelier sur place et ambiance cozy dans un quartier hip.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Eman S.
    56
    37
    108

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 4

    Île Flottante Reviews in Other Languages

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for French 4,816 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    L'Express - Got cheese salad 5/5

    L'Express

    4.3(748 reviews)
    2.1 kmPlateau-Mont-Royal
    $$$

    We had a delicious dinner at L'Express. This restaurant is on many lists for top restaurants of…read moreMontreal and it did not disappoint. We tried: - complimentary bread, butter, pickles, mustard. I loved this. Never saw another restaurant plop down mustard and pickles. The mustard was also possibly the most delicious mustard I've ever had. Very spicy and slightly salty - Duck confit on beans $37. Tasty, crispy, rich. - Grilled octopus on pepper sauce with potatos $24. Really tender and flavourful. The sauce was bright and acidic - Sorrel soup $13.75. First time having sorrel. It has a slightly sour taste. The soup was creamy and tangy. I'm glad we tried it - Quail with quail eggs on purple rice $37.50. Quail itself wasn't as flavourful but the sauce was amazing and soaked into the rice - Creme brulee $15. Flavour was impeccable. Had a slight grainy texture which was odd but this is just nit picking. Comes with a warm cookie Everything was good. I'm being more nitpicky here than usual, mostly to go back to these notes again in the future. I loved the meal and would definitely go back. Service is very friendly. Food came out super fast. The restaurant is bright and lively. Tables are quite cramped together but it makes sense as they quickly filled up for the evening. Thanks, we'll definitely be back!

    Everything about this restaurant is superb and I hope I get to return soon. It is worth ordering an…read moreappetizer and entrée and dessert at this Michelin level restaurant. The prices are amazing and the food is mouthwatering. Shouted out to our serving assistant Callum, he made sure that we had a constant flow of complementary baguette and house-made pickles. I dined with four other people and everyone ordered something different and there was zero disappointments. I however, would highly recommend their duck entrée meat was so tender and flavorful, and it was perfectly crisp on the outside. Ultimately my best dining experience in Montreal!

    Photos
    L'Express
    L'Express - Risotto

    Risotto

    L'Express - Latte

    See all

    Latte

    Les Oiseaux de Passage

    Les Oiseaux de Passage

    4.4(7 reviews)
    2.1 kmPlateau-Mont-Royal

    Quaint and unassuming neighborhood place that is hiding a highly sophisticated dining experience…read more The food was remarkable and on par with some of the better spots I've eaten lately. Did the 5 course chef's tasting menu with wine pairing --which is an incredible value for the money--and it was such an unexpectedly wonderful surprise. Inventive ingredient pairings, artful presentation, and a genuine commitment to the details. The service gets 5 stars as well, knowledgeable, attentive in just the right way. I am absolutely coming back.

    This is the first time we are at a BYOW restaurant. It's…read morebrilliant! There is no corking fee and there are 2 liquor stores within walking distance. This restaurant is so cute, we feel like we are in a romcom movie. Looks like it's family run restaurant with a lot of love. Service is very friendly. You sit down they set up your wine and brought you Handmade bread with Parmesan & Cumin (house made) Quail egg cassolette with roasted tomatoes and spinach, Mornay sauce, and Parmesan crumble Reminded you of Cheez it / goldfish / white cheddar /topping Good texture combo. Crunchy cheesy cracker on top with gooey spinach quail egg mornay sauce Cream of cauliflower, confit lemon oil, and shallots *Very smooth. Taste a bit tapioca Very good piping hot! with smokey paprika and touch of Lemon zest Salmon Linguini with onion and parmigiano cream *Cheesy but light and spring-y Again the lemon zest at work. Love it Braised lamb shank, red wine lamb glaze, sautéed potatoes, and Nantaises carrots. *Nice seasoning that respects the ingredients Potato perfectly cooked with crispy edges. Everything you ate here reminded you or some past memories that are very familiar.

    Photos
    Les Oiseaux de Passage - Inside

    Inside

    Les Oiseaux de Passage
    Les Oiseaux de Passage

    See all

    Pégase

    Pégase

    4.6(85 reviews)
    2.2 kmPlateau-Mont-Royal
    $$$

    BEST "BYOB" FRENCH BISTRO DURING RECENT TRIP…read more This is the best dining experience in our recent Montreal trip. I'm glad we made reservation since the place was quite packed when we arrived. To be honest, our first impression wasn't too great. We were seated in their main indoor dining area which was a bit too warm. We asked if we can be moved to their fully covered / heated patio area, but unfortunately the restaurant was full. Fast forward 15 minutes, we have placed our order and were enjoying our bottle of wine and a basket of bread. Our server came over and offered to move us to the patio area since a table had opened up. We were pleasantly surprised because (1) we didn't ask again and (2) most restaurants wouldn't change tables once customers started eating/drinking. The restaurant setting is unpretentious with a casual and cozy vibes. The staff are so friendly that we feel like having a family dinner! They offer a pre-fixe menu in which we thoroughly enjoyed! For appetizers, the escargot dish gave us a pleasant surprise. They wrapped the escargots and blue cheese sauce in a thin crispy crust! It's hard to describe, but it's sort of like having an escargot "crepe"! The few main courses we chose were excellent, and the rack of lamb was probably our favorite - tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked. As for dessert, their creme brulee was one of the best I've had - creamy custard topped with a perfect, crisp caramel top. I'd highly recommend this place, and will certainly visit again when I'm in town next time!

    This is a spot for good food without the frills of a fancy restaurant. The server was so nice and…read morehelped explain the menu to us as they only have French ones and we tried to order different things to get a taste of each item. The appetizers were very different from each other but the bison and lamb had similar construction/sauces. Overall a wonderful experience! As tourists, it was fun to try some local wines during the day and buying a bottle to enjoy with dinner here. There was a range of drinks that people brought. We stuck with a light red wine that we got from SAQ down the street that offered a tasting of some local wines.

    Photos
    Pégase
    Pégase - Tuna, mango, coconut tataki

    Tuna, mango, coconut tataki

    Pégase

    See all

    Modavie - Escargot, Montreal style topped with baked cheese!

    Modavie

    4.2(1.1k reviews)
    4.2 kmVille-Marie
    $$$

    Lorenzo was Amazing so friendly ! Service -food - our server…read morewas great ! Thank you for amazing hospitality and experience!

    There's a lot of great food and great music in Montreal…read more Modavie has both. Upon our hotel's concierge recommendation, we went to listen to some jazz and have some good food at Modavie, and were blown out of the water. We didn't think we needed reservations for a Monday night but we got there and it was packed. They made space for us at the bar and we ordered. The band was amazing and we were told there's a larger room upstairs with a different band. Now for the food: spectacular all around. We ordered poutine with lamb, the chicken and the salmon. I expected it to be good because everything in Montreal up to now had been great, and for a first time poutine taster, I was a bit apprehensive but OMG was it insane good! The fries were cooked to perfection, the sauce was like no gravy I've ever tasted before and the lamb melted in your mouth faster than the cheese curds. For my first time, it feels like all downhill from there. How can we top it?! With delicious salmon and chicken dancing on the palate. All that while listening to the most angelic sounds coming from the vocalist of the band made our experience the very best of Montreal. Modavie is now on my must-do list. I will definite be back.

    Photos
    Modavie - Beautiful interior...mood lighting was 11/10

    Beautiful interior...mood lighting was 11/10

    Modavie - Rack of Lamb from New Zealand

    Rack of Lamb from New Zealand

    Modavie - Bar was gorgeous and inviting

    See all

    Bar was gorgeous and inviting

    Île Flottante - french - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...